Stamford Democratic Primary: Caroline Simmons Seeks Nomination

Stamford CT

07 September, 2021

5:18 PM

Description

STAMFORD, CT — This year's Democratic primary in Stamford features incumbent Mayor David Martin against current State Rep. Caroline Simmons. Simmons narrowly received the endorsement from her party in July by a vote of 21 to Martin's 19. However, in the weeks following the vote, Martin collected the requisite number of signatures to appear on the primary ballot. Patch asked the candidates to answer questions about their campaigns ahead of the primary which is slated for Tuesday, Sept. 14. Simmons, 35, is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for Mayor of Stamford. Occupation: Policy Specialist for Elevate Policy Lab at Yale University Family: Art Linares, Teddy Linares, Jack Linares Experience: State Representative for Connecticut 144th District since 2014 Family in government: Yes, Nick Simmons, Senior Advisor to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it: The most pressing issue is our investing in our infrastructure and school facilities. As Mayor, I will take advantage of the $1.3 billion coming to Connecticut through the federal infrastructure package, and and I will also take responsibility for our school facilities. Our schools have needed support for more than 8 years and we have big infrastructure projects that require a leader who can listen and deliver results. Critical differences between me and my opponents: I am the only candidate in this race with state and federal experience who knows how to take advantage the $1.3 billion in funding that will be made available through President Biden's infrastructure package. As a State Legislator, I have a record working with stakeholders to accomplish things like securing $65 million in funding for Strawberry Hill School. I've worked with every part of our city and community over my 8 years as State Representative. I am also a mother with school-aged children who will be directly impacted by the community we leave for them. I'm committed to making Stamford a city with great schools, climate resilient infrastructure, and and affordable to everyone in our community — including my own kids. Accomplishments: I have a track record that shows I am a leader who listens to constituents and gets results. As a State Representative I've secured over $300 million in state funding for Stamford, including $65 million for the Strawberry Hill School. As Co-Chair of the Commerce Committee I've passed 16 bipartisan bills providing aid for small businesses and making capital more accessible for women, minority, and veteran owned businesses. I've built a coalition of Stamford residents, young people, women voters, and disenfranchised communities to earn the endorsement from the Democratic Party and Independent Party, and as well as endorsements from members of the Stamford delegation and other statewide legislators. I previously worked for the Department of Homeland Security focusing on counterterrorism and cybersecurity. Other issues: My goal as Stamford's next mayor is for our city to realize its potential and make it one of the best cities in America. My priorities include the following: First, I am committed to rebuilding our schools. They've needed repairs for over 8 years and the conditions don't do justice to the incredible teachers and students that fill their buildings. While I was pregnant with my first child, I remember touring portable classrooms and I was advised not to stay in the classrooms because there was too much mold. If it was too dangerous for me, then it's too dangerous for our teachers and students. I'll put forth a plan that removes all portable classrooms, removes hazardous mold, and gives our kids the facilities they need and deserve. Second, I'll pursue the ambitious infrastructure projects Stamford has needed for years. With President Biden's infrastructure package, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take advantage of the $1.3 billion in federal dollars coming to Connecticut. I am the most qualified candidate to get federal funding for Stamford and as Mayor I will. Third, I will be a mayor who actually listens and responds to the residents of Stamford. As a State Representative, I've had countless constituents reach out to me because they can't get a response from the city. I am committed to making our government more responsive to constituent concerns, and to make sure every voice in every neighborhood is heard and respected. Finally, I will work to make Stamford a more affordable, inclusive, and and equitable city for all residents. What else would you like voters to know about you? As a mother of two young boys who were born at Stamford Hospital, I am the only candidate in this race who has personal stake in the future of our city. I am an experienced legislator whose kids will grow up in the community we leave for them. This is more than an election for me and it's personal. I want Stamford's local government to be accessible to the public and I want our city to be affordable for everyone who wants to live here.